Accident Prevention Plan

The University’s Accident Prevention Program is contained in Western’s Safety Information Book. Accident prevention information is found in Section 4, plus other relevant sections of the book, including
Section 2
, departmental emergency procedures, and Section 3, Policy and Responsibilities. The chemical hygiene or hazard communication sections describe how to use chemicals safely and are applicable to those who use chemicals. The information on personal protective equipment in Section 5 includes conducting a hazard analysis and details what personal protective equipment to wear for particular tasks.

A. Accident Reporting and Investigation.

All accidents and occupational illnesses are to be reported immediately to determine if professional medical assistance is required. Call 911 for medical aid and contact Public Safety at X3911. Supervisory personnel are notified as quickly as possible, preferably within 24 hours, following an accidental injury or illness. They investigate accidents and injuries occurring to faculty, staff or students for whom they are responsible. Accident report forms are available to print and complete with pen, or electronically. Accident reports should never be used to assign blame but should focus on improving processes and equipment use to mitigate hazards and protect people more effectively into the future.

B. Accidental Injury/Illness Recording.

Maintaining accurate injury and illness records is an important part of Western’s accident prevention efforts.

C. Safety Bulletin Boards.

Safety information about employee rights under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act is provided on posters located on safety bulletin boards

D. Safety and Health Orientation.

A safety and health orientation is important to new faculty, staff, exempt professionals, student employees, rehires, and transferred persons because it provides basic information they need to work safely.

E. First Aid.

In accordance with WAC 296-800-150 which requires provision of immediate assistance to injured or ill employees, directors chairs or department heads are to designated individuals to maintain current certification in first aid and CPR and to ensure that their certificates are current.

F. Self Audit.

A person in each department is to conduct a safety and health audit on an annual basis using a checklist provided by Environmental Health and Safety.

G. Safety and Health Evaluation.

Safety and health considerations should be included during faculty or staff evaluations.

H. Reporting Unsafe Conditions, Equipment, Practices, or Assignments.

Faculty, staff, and student employees are to report unsafe conditions, equipment, practices, or assignments to their supervisor, chair, or director. If this person is unable to resolve the issue, it should be reported to the Environmental Health and Safety office. The office will assign the situation an identification number by which its outcome may be tracked.